Twisted Whiskers: Solving Your Cat's Behavior Problems

by Pam Johnson-Bennett

Do you feel you’ll never understand why your sweet little kitten sometimes turns into the cat from hell? TWISTED WHISKERS helps owners understand the reason behind the behavior and how to correct it permanently using step-by-step behavior modification techniques. This book will help cat owners regain the loving relationship they’ve always wanted with their cat. For new cat owners, this book is a must.

Genres: Cats, Nonfiction, How To, Self Help, Animals

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1994

About the author

Pam Johnson-Bennett is the host of the TV series "Psycho Kitty" which airs on the Discovery UK channel. She is the best-selling author of 7 books on cats and is considered a pioneer in the field of cat behavior consulting. Her ground-breaking book, Think Like a Cat, is considered the cat bible among owners, experts, and shelter personnel worldwide. She is a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and a clinical member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants as well as being the Founder and former long-time Chair of the IAABC Cat Division. She has been the behavior expert for Friskies for over a decade and also served on the Advisory Boards of the American Humane Association and Tree House Humane Society. She is a frequent expert columnist for WebVet. She was formerly the behavior columnist for Cats Magazine, Cat Channel, Yahoo, ivillage, Catster and the Daily Cat.

In addition to career in cat behavior consulting, she has also co-authored a book about motherhood. About her non-cat book, she says: "My 8th book is a total departure from cat behavior and delves into the scary, messy, embarrassing and alien world of being a mother of two kids. "Cookies for Dinner" is where I and my co-author fess up about how your breasts basically become the fast-food take-out window at lunchtime and how, at some point, it's a rite of passage for mothers to end up at the supermarket check-out line while still in our pajamas. Oh, and then there's the time I was locked out of my house while wearing less-than flattering swimwear... but I digress."

Reviews

[Maggi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't help much. Beatrice still bites the shit out of me.

[Claire Binkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost: if your cat is having a problem, please seek veterinary assistance first. However, sometimes, it is true that oftentimes cats conceal whether they are having a problem, so it is good to look at books such as this one to get hints as to what you are looking to detect, versus what is just play.

All of the cats I have been around up to now have been well-behaved, so this was an easy read. I remember being scratched, and being bitten, but that was neither my nor the cat's fault. It just happens when your life involves animals.

[Earl Grey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Contains obvious pseudo science (Bach flower remedies).

"If you're having your cat declawed..." should only be followed by telling the reader that declawing is animal abuse and never to do it. Instead Pam Johnson proceeds to advice on how to care for your cat after you have it declawed.

Of course you can find some common sense stuff here, but do yourself and your cat a favor and stay well clear of this trash.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the version with 1994 copyright. It's a well written, to-the-point reference book. And a pleasure to experience a book that doesn't waste your time with useless extra examples and words. Includes a complete index as well.

[Kricket · Rating 3 out of 5]

i chose this one from the library mainly because of the hilarious title. it didn't really address my cat's issue (food obsession/ bulimia?) head-on, but i liked what it said about play therapy and putting catnip toys away between uses to preserve the potency. my plan is to play with my cat until she is too exhausted to bother me for food. wish me luck.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is very informative, especially if your cat scratches your eyelid. Don't ask :)

I think a lot of folks think of cats as work-free pets, but they really need regular, loving attention. This book helps explain some reasons why a kitty might be behaving badly.

[Malissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good basic cat behavior book. I brought it home from the library after bring an abandoned cat home from the same place! It had some good advice that has helped me to make a stray into a house pet and help him adjust and gave me some good insights into how cats tick in general.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent cat behavior book that every feline owner should have on their home book shelf.
It is my go-to resource for all my cat questions and remedies.
Even the toy recommendations are the best I have found: Da Bird in particular far surpasses any other feather toy I have used.

[Cathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dont agree with all the theories in this book...but it was definately worth reading. I still say, if you have a cat you should be reading all of these cat behavior books.

[Annieg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another interesting book on cats. This one has some info on nutrition but also has a lot of behavioral information. This book is quick & easy to read.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I ever wanted to know about cats but was afraid to ask

[Kandrea Cheney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information on the behaviors of your companion, getting to know what he is trying to communicate to you and great info on keeping him healthy.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Not too much new information from Johnson's other books but it was an interesting and easy read. I'm going to research further into the use of Bach Flower Remedies.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of an informational text, lots of good advice. (and that advice works! amazing!)